Value

Nissan has been generous with 18-inch alloys, touchscreen infotainment system, 6-speaker stereo with single-disc, USB connectivity and 2GB of music storage, Bluetooth, cruise control, tri-zone airconditioning, keyless entry and ignition, cloth trim, reversing camera and rear parking sensors all standard. Nissan offers six airbags while the Kluger has seven (the extra is a driver?s knee bag).

Toyota

Prices have come down across the board on the new Kluger but it is still $1000 more expensive than the Pathfinder. However, the two cars are well matched on gear but there are some key differences. Standard gear includes a reversing camera, rear parking sensors, touchscreen infotainment system, six-speaker stereo with single-disc and USB connectivity, Bluetooth, cruise control and cloth trim. If you want tri-zone aircon and keyless entry and ignition you need to step up to the mid-spec GXL.

Winner: Nissan

Inside

Nissan

The Pathfinder was an all-new design and it shows with the spacious cabin. You can slide the second row seats to trade-off space with the third row, which ultimately means a car capable of carrying seven in comfort. The second row also has a function that allows you to fit a child seat but still access the third row without moving the seat or climb over the baby seat tether. Nissan has also created plenty of small item storage space including 10 cup holders and six bottle holders.

Toyota

Toyota also focused on improving interior space with the new Kluger. It is longer and wider and the company claims there is more space in all three rows. The second row is generous, even for adults, and the third row is a touch more comfortable too. The Kluger also offers up loads of storage including a very large lidded box between the front seats that doubles as an armrest. The boot is more practical too. The design isn?t quite as nice as the Pathfinder but the extra space earns it a narrow win.

Winner: Toyota

Engine

Nissan

There?s plenty of pulling power even with a family on board from the V6. And the CVT is one of the better examples we?ve experienced, shifting relatively smoothly and quieter than some. But the downside of a big engine in a big SUV is the fuel economy. Although its claimed average is 10.2L/100km it averaged in the mid teens during our last extended test drive.

Toyota

More power and more torque than the Pathfinder but the same fuel economy is enough to give it the edge here. But, as with the Pathfinder, we found it hard to hit that claimed number during our test drive. In truth both cars offer similar performance from there similar engines. Both V6s offer enough grunt to haul along these family wagons.

Winner: Toyota

How it drives

Nissan

The new Pathfinder has ditched its Navara ute-based underpinnings to become a clearer rival to the likes of the Kluger and Mazda CX-9. That means the ride is softer and there is some noticeable body lean in corners, but the trade-off is it does a good job soaking up bumps so its comfortable. The steering is nice and light but lacks feel and feedback. Driving only the front wheels with such a powerful engine means there is some torque steer under hard acceleration.

Toyota

The Kluger gets updated front and all-new rear suspension, which has been tested in Australia to better suit our conditions. The result is a slightly firmer ride than the Pathfinder, but only slightly because there is still noticeable lean in corners. The steering is lightly weighted like the Nissan but offers slightly more feel. It is another close call between these two but the slightly firmer suspension of the Kluger tips the balance. It can jar over sharper bumps more than the Nissan and that can be uncomfortable at times.

Winner: Nissan

Ownership

Nissan

Nissan offers a longer capped price service scheme - six years/120,000km compared to three years/60,000km - but it will cost you more over the first three years. Both brands have six month/10,000km service intervals. Over the initial three years the Pathfinder will cost $1999 to service. Over the full six year period the total is $2578.86. Services range from $267,39 all the way up to $811.66 for the major 100,000km appointment.

Toyota

The Kluger has a flat $170 fee for each service in the three year period, so will cost less than the Pathfinder initially. So if you plan to swap your car within three years the Kluger is the pick. However, if you intend on keeping your choice for longer the Pathfinder offers more transparency on costs over a longer period. When you factor in that both cars have the same three year/100,000km warranty it gives the Nissan the edge.

Winner: Nissan

Verdict

Nissan

A very close contest and either car is a worthy winner. But, all things considered, the Pathfinder takes a narrow win. It offers up better value, a more comfortable ride while still offering plenty of space for the family and longer capped price servicing.

Toyota

The new Kluger is a step ahead of the old model. It drives better (in fact, some may prefer its firmer ride to the Pathfinder) and offers up more space and equipment for less money than the old Kluger.

Winner: Nissan

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The size of your tyre is located on the sidewall of your tyre.It will be similar to the sample below.